What Is It?
The Geely EX5 is one of the newer options popping up in the UK’s electric SUV crowd. It’s been priced to appeal to folks who are watching the pennies but still want a decent EV. You’re getting front-wheel drive with one motor doing the work, and while that might not sound thrilling, it’s got enough zip and range to handle day-to-day life with ease. It’s aiming for the same kind of buyer who might also be looking at the MG ZS EV or even the Kia EV3 – people who want space, tech, and something that doesn’t break the bank.
Exterior Design
First impressions? It looks tidy. The EX5 has that clean, modern vibe going on – nothing too flashy, but there’s a sort of quiet confidence in the way it’s styled. It’s clearly designed to cut through the air efficiently, with smooth surfaces and neat, slim LED lights giving it a sharp edge. Go for the higher trims and you even get a panoramic sunroof, which is a nice bonus at this price.
Engine & Powertrain
Under the skin, you’ll find a motor at the front kicking out 215 bhp (160 kW) and a solid 320 Nm of torque. That means 0–62 mph in 6.9 seconds (or 7.1 if you pick the Max trim), which is pretty nippy, especially when you consider what else is in the same price range.
There’s a 60.2 kWh LFP battery feeding it all, with an official WLTP range of up to 267 miles – in everyday driving, you’re more likely to see around 250. Still not bad at all. Charging speeds are decent too: with a 11 kW home wallbox, you’re looking at just over 6 hours for a full top-up. Need a quick splash-and-dash? Rapid DC charging at up to 160 kW means you can go from 10% to 80% in about 28 minutes. Efficiency-wise, it’s officially doing 3.9 miles per kWh, but in real life, it can creep up to about 4.3.
Ride & Handling
This is where a bit of Lotus know-how sneaks in. The EX5’s had its chassis fettled by their engineers, so the result is a smooth and settled ride, even on our patchy British roads. Is it fun to chuck around? Not really. But it handles itself comfortably, with steering that’s predictable and suspension that keeps things tidy over bumps. If you’re after something a bit more spirited, the Skoda Elroq might have the edge, but for just getting around, the EX5 does a solid job.
Interior & Tech
Step inside and you’ll probably be surprised at how well the EX5 is kitted out. The design’s smart and the finish feels better than you’d expect given the price. You get a big 15.4-inch touchscreen next to a 10.2-inch digital dash, both running Flyme Auto OS, which looks slick and is easy enough to get your head around. Even the base SE trim packs in stuff like adaptive cruise, a wireless phone charger, heated steering wheel, 360° camera, and over-the-air updates.
Opt for the Max, and you’re treated to some serious upgrades: a 13.8-inch head-up display, that panoramic roof we mentioned, a 16-speaker sound system with speakers tucked into the headrests, and fancy quilted seats that heat up, cool down, and even give you a massage. Throw in ambient lighting with 256 colour options and a powered tailgate, and you’re starting to feel like you’re driving something much pricier.
Back-seat passengers get a fair deal too, with seats that recline a bit, extra storage underfoot, and a decent centre armrest. No flip-down cinema screen, but honestly, most don’t miss it when the rest of the cabin’s this well sorted.
Practicality
Geely’s thought about the practical stuff too. The boot gives you between 410 and 461 litres depending on whether you use the false floor or not, plus there’s a 51-litre storage cubby underneath. Some rivals like the Tesla Model Y or Renault Scenic do offer more, but unless you’ve got a family of five all packing for a camping trip, you’ll probably find it roomy enough for the weekly shop, prams, or the odd weekend away.
That flat rear floor helps with space in the back, and little touches like under-seat drawers make it a handy all-rounder for families.
Verdict
Prices start at around £29,400 for the base SE and go up to £36,990 for the Max version with all the bells and whistles. Given how much gear you get without ticking any options, it’s actually cracking value compared to some of the competition. Plus, there’s an 8-year/125,000-mile warranty covering both the car and the battery, which is reassuring if you’re thinking long-term.
The EX5 might not have the sportiest drive or the biggest boot, but it ticks a lot of the right boxes: decent performance, loads of kit, reasonable price, and proper fast charging. If you’re shopping for an electric SUV and don’t want to venture into premium-brand territory, it’s definitely worth a look.
So, should you buy one? If you’re after a tech-savvy, affordable, everyday EV that makes life easy, we’d say go for it.
